FAQ

What form of treatments do you recommend?
There are several kinds of treatments in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).  Dr Wang will suggest a form of treatment according to your particular condition.  For example, acupuncture is the most effective treatment for nerve pain such as sciatica, while herbal preparations are often used for young children or those suffering from skin disorders such as eczema.  If you illness is complex or persistent, a combination of treatments will achieve the best results.

How will I feel during an acupuncture treatment?
This varies with each individual patients report different feelings associated with acupuncture but rarely pain or discomfort.  Acupuncture is performed using hair thin, metallic, disposable needles.  You may expect to feel a momentary prick and tingling when the needles are inserted.  Acupuncture creates an energy sensation in the body and while the needles are in place patients normally experience a feeling of great peace, tranquillity and relaxation.

Acupuncture points in the body can be stimulated manually using acupressure if patients are not comfortable with the insertion of needles but experience and research has shown that ‘needling’ points is more effective for a great number of illnesses.

How will I feel after an acupuncture session?
We are all very different in our mental and physical make up and vary in our reaction to illness.  You will also have a very individual response to TCM treatment.  For most people an improvement in health is noticed after just a few sessions and in some cases, such as colds, muscle pain, stress, relief of symptoms is immediate.

How does acupuncture help the body to heal?
Many studies have documented acupuncture’s effects on the body, particularly as a system for managing pain.  Within the framework of Western Medicine acupuncture is understood to work by stimulating the central nervous system to release chemicals, such as endorphins, into the muscles, spinal cord and brain.  This process alters the patient’s experience of pain or releases other chemicals that influence the body’s natural healing abilities and promote physical and emotional well-being.  Considerable research suggests acupuncture’s healing effects are due to the release of naturally occurring opiods in the brain that may reduce pain or induce deep relaxation.

What conditions may benefit from acupuncture treatment?
Many people seek acupuncture treatment for relief of chronic pain, such as arthritis or low back pain.  However acupuncture is extremely effective in a wide variety of conditions through its power to stimulate the mind and body’s own healing response. The World Health Organization (WHO) lists 28 diseases, symptoms or conditions for which acupuncture has been proven, through clinical trials, to be an effective treatment, as well as many where therapeutic benefits are also documented.  We’re confident that acupuncture positively influences any health conditions and would recommend you click on this link to read research articles relating to your particular health condition or reading about our patients’ experiences on our Testimonials page.

How often and for how long should I come for treatment?
The number of sessions required will depend on your condition, your general physical vitality and whether your symptoms are minor or chronic.   We look for the cause of disease beneath the symptoms and some people experience immediate relief and others, particularly those with chronic symptoms, take longer to resolve and attend weekly for several months.  If an illness has built up over a period of time you need to be prepared to give your body time to overcome it.

Dr Wang’s approach to healing integrates physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.  Many patients continue treatment after their initial health issue has been resolved for a preventative health measure; to boost vitality and immunity, improve energy levels and manage stress.

How much time should I allow for a treatment session?
We allow up to an hour per patient for all treatments to include some checking-in/review time and ensure you feel rested during and after the session.

Is acupuncture treatment safe during pregnancy?
Yes.  Care is taken to avoid contraindicated acupuncture points in the abdomen, pelvic area and lumbar region; and only the most gentle and safe herbs are prescribed.  In fact acupuncture is extremely effective for a wide variety of pregnancy related symptoms; morning sickness, delaying premature signs of labour, turning breach babies, inducing contractions in overdue pregnancies and easing labour pains.  Herbal remedies may be used to prevent or treat miscarriage.

Is it safe for me to take herbs?
Traditional Chinese herbs are generally very safe, especially when prescribed by a TCM Doctor.  They originate from plants, minerals and other natural substances.  Each herb has a different nature and function and is usually used in combination to promote a therapeutic effect.  Herbs are available in different preparations; raw herbs offer the most potent option and require boiling in water, pills and granules can be taken like conventional medicines and herbal creams and oils can be applied to the skin.

Can I take the same herbs for a long time?
With the exception of a few tonics Dr Wang will not give you the same herbs over a long period of time.  This is not because it would be unsafe to do so (unwanted side effects are rare with Traditional Chinese herbs) but because your body is in a constant state of flux and herbal prescriptions are tailor made for the symptoms you’re experiencing at the time of your visit.  Each time you visit your condition will be reviewed and your prescription modified to accommodate the progress of your illness.

Are there any negative side effects from taking herbs?
Rarely and they would disappear as soon as you stopped taking them.  Occasionally, after taking herbs or having acupuncture treatment, it may appear as if the symptoms you were already experiencing become slightly worse.  This effect will be brief and is a good sign that your natural ability to heal has been stimulated and the body is purging the body of toxins and counteracting the illness.  This response should not be confused with a worsening of symptoms.  To find out more about how this natural phenomena works do a Google search on ‘healing crisis’

Should I continue to take the medication prescribed by my GP while undergoing TCM treatment?
There is generally no conflict between conventional medicine and TCM and in most cases can be used in combination.  For some patients it may not be necessary to continue using medicines prescribed by their GP.  However for more serious illnesses such as cardiac disorders, severe hypertension and epilepsy, patients are not advised to abandon their orthodox treatment as this could disturb the balance of the body.  It is essential at all times to be guided by your doctor.